Buying in Burbank and trying to decode property taxes? You are not alone. Between base rates, add-ons, and those surprise supplemental bills, the numbers can feel confusing. The good news is you can estimate your annual and monthly costs with a simple framework and a few local facts. This guide breaks down how Burbank property taxes work, what shows up on your bill, when payments are due, and how to budget with clear examples. Let’s dive in.
How Burbank property taxes work
Property taxes in Burbank follow California law and Los Angeles County administration. The Los Angeles County Assessor determines assessed values and the Treasurer and Tax Collector sends and collects the bills.
What sets assessed value
Under California Proposition 13, the general property tax rate is 1.00% of the assessed value. When you buy a home, a change of ownership typically triggers reassessment, and the purchase price becomes the new base-year assessed value. New construction can also be reassessed. Once set, the assessed value can increase by no more than 2% per year unless another reassessment event occurs.
You can review county-level guidance and parcel tools with the Los Angeles County Assessor. For a plain-English overview of how assessed value works, explore the Assessor’s site at the Los Angeles County Assessor.
Caps and temporary reductions
California’s Proposition 8 allows a temporary reduction in assessed value if market value drops below your assessed value. If the market later recovers, the assessed value can rise back up, but not above what it would have been under the 2% cap if no reduction had occurred.
Base-year transfers and Prop 19
Proposition 19, implemented in 2021, changed two areas that matter to many homeowners:
- Eligible owners 55 or older, or those who are disabled or disaster displaced, may be able to transfer their base-year value to a replacement home, subject to conditions.
- Parent-to-child and grandparent-to-grandchild exclusions were narrowed for inheritances. A principal residence may qualify if specific conditions are met.
For official state guidance, visit the California State Board of Equalization’s Prop 19 page.
What shows up on your bill
Your total bill is the base 1.00% plus any local add-ons that apply to your parcel.
Base 1 percent tax
The foundation of every bill is 1.00% of assessed value under Proposition 13.
Voter-approved bonds and parcel taxes
Many areas have voter-approved debt for schools, libraries, community colleges, or city infrastructure. These add specific amounts or percentages on top of the base. Some districts also levy flat parcel taxes. The exact mix varies by tax-rate area and even by parcel.
Mello-Roos and special assessments
Some neighborhoods have Community Facilities Districts, known as Mello-Roos. These are extra annual charges that fund infrastructure or services and can be significant. Other small charges may appear, such as flood control or lighting assessments.
Across Los Angeles County, total effective property tax rates commonly range from roughly about 1.1% to 1.6% or more in some pockets. Burbank parcels can fall anywhere in that spectrum depending on local bonds, parcel taxes, and whether a property is in a CFD. Always check the parcel’s specific rate rather than relying on a single citywide number.
When property taxes are due
Los Angeles County follows the standard California schedule for secured property taxes. The annual bill is payable in two installments.
Regular secured bill
- First installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10.
- Second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10.
Payment options and timelines are explained by the County’s Treasurer and Tax Collector. For official schedules and online payment options, visit the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Supplemental bills after you buy
If you buy or there is new construction mid-year, the County issues a supplemental bill. It captures the difference between the old assessed value and your new assessed value, pro-rated for the portion of the fiscal year after the change. This bill is separate from the regular annual bill and may arrive shortly after closing. Follow the due date printed on the notice, since supplemental due dates can differ from the regular schedule.
A simple way to estimate
You can estimate your annual tax and monthly escrow in three steps.
Step-by-step formula
- Step A: Estimate assessed value after purchase. For most buyers, use the purchase price.
- Step B: Estimate a total tax rate. Start with 1.00% and add local components. If parcel specifics are unknown, use a range of about 0.10% to 0.60% for add-ons as a placeholder.
- Step C: Annual tax is roughly Assessed Value × (1.00% + add-ons), plus any flat parcel taxes. Divide by 12 for a monthly escrow estimate. Your lender may also collect a small cushion.
Worked examples
These are illustrative examples. Actual totals depend on your parcel’s tax-rate area, add-ons, and any CFD charges.
Example 1, lower add-ons, total rate about 1.15%
Purchase price: $800,000
Annual tax: $800,000 × 0.0115 ≈ $9,200
Monthly escrow estimate: about $767Example 2, higher add-ons or Mello-Roos, total rate about 1.45%
Purchase price: $1,200,000
Annual tax: $1,200,000 × 0.0145 ≈ $17,400
Monthly escrow estimate: about $1,450, plus any lender cushionExample 3, supplemental bill illustration
Prior assessed value: $600,000
New assessed value after purchase: $800,000
Rate used for example: 1.25% total
Difference: $200,000
Annual tax on difference: $200,000 × 0.0125 = $2,500
If the sale closes April 1, remaining months in the fiscal year are April through June, which is 3 months. Pro-rata share is 3 out of 12, or 0.25.
Estimated supplemental bill: $2,500 × 0.25 = $625. This is in addition to the regular annual bill already issued. The next full annual bill will reflect the new assessed value for the entire year.
Monthly budget quick math
A fast way to estimate the tax portion of PITI is: Monthly Taxes ≈ (Purchase Price × Total Tax Rate) ÷ 12.
Example: $900,000 at a 1.25% total rate is $11,250 per year, or about $938 per month. Add mortgage principal and interest, homeowners insurance, HOA dues if any, and mortgage insurance if applicable to see your full monthly cost.
Practical buyer tips in Burbank
- Verify the parcel’s exact tax rate before you write an offer. Ask your agent or escrow for the tax rate area details and whether the property has CFD or parcel taxes.
- Ask for recent bills or disclosures that show Mello-Roos or special assessments. If a property is in a CFD, it can materially change your annual total.
- Plan for a supplemental tax bill after closing if your purchase triggers a reassessment. Decide whether you want your lender to escrow for it or if you will budget separately.
- If you finance, your lender may require an escrow account for taxes and insurance. Confirm the monthly escrow deposit and any initial cushion before closing.
- If you are 55 or older, or meet other eligibility criteria, explore whether you can transfer a base-year value under Proposition 19 rules. The County Assessor can explain eligibility and process.
- If market values drop below your assessed value, ask the Assessor about a Proposition 8 temporary reduction.
- Remember that transfer taxes and closing fees are separate from property taxes. Your title and escrow team can confirm any city or county transfer tax at closing.
Where to confirm your numbers
- Look up parcel details and reassessment questions with the Los Angeles County Assessor.
- Review due dates, installment windows, and payment options with the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector.
- For statewide rules on Proposition 13, see the California State Board of Equalization’s property tax page.
- For voter-approved add-ons and tax-rate area specifics, use the County’s tax rate resources or ask your title company during escrow.
- For any city measures, visit the City of Burbank or ask your escrow officer for the latest parcel tax and assessment report.
Final thoughts and next steps
Burbank property taxes follow a clear structure once you break them into parts. Start with the 1.00% base, add local components for your parcel, and use the simple formula to estimate your annual and monthly numbers. Confirm the exact rate through county resources or your escrow team, and keep an eye out for a supplemental bill after you close.
If you want help interpreting a specific property’s tax profile or you need a clean monthly cost breakdown before you offer, reach out. As local advisors, we will pull the parcel’s tax-rate area, flag any CFD or parcel taxes, and coordinate with your lender so your escrow estimate is accurate. When you are ready to explore Burbank homes, connect with Meghan Nyback for neighbor-first guidance and a smooth, well-managed process.
FAQs
How do Burbank property taxes get calculated after I buy?
- Most purchases trigger reassessment, so your assessed value resets to the purchase price, the base rate is 1.00%, and local add-ons vary by parcel.
What is a supplemental property tax bill in Los Angeles County?
- It is a separate bill that reflects the difference between the prior assessed value and your new assessed value, pro-rated for the rest of the fiscal year.
When are Los Angeles County property taxes due each year?
- The first installment is due November 1 and delinquent after December 10, and the second is due February 1 and delinquent after April 10.
How can I check if a Burbank home has Mello-Roos?
- Ask for seller disclosures and a title tax report during escrow, and confirm with the County Assessor if the parcel is in a Community Facilities District.
How much should I budget monthly for Burbank property taxes?
- Use Monthly Taxes ≈ (Purchase Price × total tax rate) ÷ 12, with a typical LA County range of about 1.1% to 1.6% or more depending on local add-ons.
Can I transfer my lower tax base if I am over 55?
- Proposition 19 may allow eligible homeowners to transfer a base-year value to a replacement home, subject to conditions confirmed by the County Assessor.
